Arsenal – Rock solid international linked

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Cardiff City’s Steven Caulker. The centre back only joined the Welsh side last season in a deal worth £8m. But, following their relegation from The Premier League, The Metro is reporting that he could make a possible switch to The Emirates.

The move could be controversial considering the player’s past association with Arsenal’s local rivals.

The 22 year old, who made a goal-scoring international debut for England in 2012, spent his youth career at Tottenham Hotspur before having loan spells at the likes of Swansea City and Yeovil Town. He moved to Cardiff last season and impressed pundits despite being part of a relegation side.

There has been continuing speculation over the future of club captain Thomas Vermaelen. The Belgian, who is travelling with his national side to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, has been linked with a number of moves away from The Emirates according to The Mirror.

Vermaelen has seen his playing time limited thanks to the strong partnership of Per Metersacker and Laurent Koscielny. They have established themselves as Arsene Wenger’s first choice central defenders, leaving Vermaelen having to spend most of his time on the bench.

Added to the fact the loss of Bacary Sagna, who has told Arsenal that he is leaving the club, it could leave The Gunners short at the back as the Frenchman was able to provide cover at centre back.

At 22 Caulker would probably be more willing to spend some of time as a substitute and could be seen as a long-term solution for Arsenal – but he’s already a very good player.

Arsenal have experience of signing ex-Tottenham centre halves. They signed Sol Campbell in 2001 on a free transfer and made over 135 appearances for the club, winning The Premier League Twice and the FA Cup three times. Nathan Gibson